NFL odds at the sportsbook are not as low on the Indianapolis Colts as they were a year ago. The off-season changes made by the Colts do not seem to have impressed the NFL odds makers and Indianapolis is 14-1 to win the 2009 Super Bowl. NFL odds will still be popular on the Colts in 2009 simply because Peyton Manning is at quarterback. Losing head coach Tony Dungy is huge though as Jim Caldwell is unproven. The team really didn’t do anything in the off-season to improve themselves so it is very possible the Colts will slip back in 2009. Last year the Colts were 12-4 straight up and 8-7-1 against the NFL odds at the sportsbook but not many people believe they can have as much success this season.
The Colts are still favored in NFL odds to win the AFC South but the division is getting closer. Last year the Titans beat them for the title and this season the Texans and Jaguars look to be improved. The Colts slipped to 15th in total yards last year and 13th in points scored as NFL odds numbers show. That sports betting trend could continue in 2009. Injuries are a huge concern for the Colts as they have very little depth. Last year running back Joseph Addai was injured and the running game suffered. Indianapolis took Donald Brown in the draft but it is anyone’s guess as to how good he will be. The Colts still have Manning and Reggie Wayne in addition to Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark. The problem for the Colts is that they have no players to step in if anyone gets hurt.
Defensively the Colts were pretty good as they were 7th in points allowed as NFL odds statistics show. Safety Bob Sanders is great when he is on the field. Keeping him healthy is almost impossible though and the same can be said of defensive end Dwight Freeney.
Health is the big issue for the Colts as they approach the 2009 regular season. When healthy, and on the field, the Colts are a Super Bowl contender. The problem is that rarely does a team go an entire season without some injury issues. The Colts are paper thin and need everything to go right to win the division in 2009 and have a winning season versus the sports betting odds.